Non-IV Oral Conscious Sedation

Non-IV Oral Conscious Sedation is frequently used for dental procedures, particularly for patients who experience anxiety or have specific needs. This procedure is often used in combination with Nitrous Oxide, providing a rapid onset of sedation. Non-IV sedation allows for a more controlled and predictable level of sedation, as the effect can be easily adjusted.

How It Works

• Patients take a sedative medication in pill or liquid form (like Valium) before the procedure, causing drowsiness and relaxation. 
• Patients will be monitored by the doctor and assistant during the appointment
• Patients will remain conscious, responsive, and anxiety-free during dental treatment, but will often not remember the appointment. 
• Patients ability to respond normally will return when the effects of the sedative wear off. The effects of this sedative will last approximately 16-20 hours, but the exact length of time varies by the individual and can exceed this estimate.

Considerations

• Medical History will be reviewed by Dr. Halls prior to scheduling to ensure the patient is a candidate for this procedure. 
• Patient cannot drive, cannot drink alcohol or take narcotics for 24 hours before and after the appointment.
• Patient's driver must remain at the office during the entire procedure and must remain with the patient for 12 hours after the procedure.

Risks 

• Taking an inadequate dosage of my sedation medications, which may require undergoing the procedure without full sedation, or having to reschedule the procedure. 
• The inability to discuss treatment options during the procedure should any circumstance arise that requires Dr. Halls to change the treatment plan.
• Inadequate sedation with initial dosage may require the patient to undergo the procedure without full sedation or delay the procedure for another time.
• Atypical reaction to sedative drugs which may require emergency medical attention and/or hospitalization such as altered mental states, physical reactions, allergic reactions, heart attack, brain damage, and/or death